Apple TV’s ‘The Hunt’ Pulled Amidst Plagiarism Allegations
In an unexpected turn of events, Apple TV has removed its highly anticipated French-language thriller series, The Hunt, from its platform just days before its scheduled premiere on December 3, 2025. The abrupt removal has sparked widespread speculation, with emerging reports suggesting that the decision stems from serious plagiarism concerns.
Background of ‘The Hunt’
The Hunt, known in French as A l’ombre des forêts, was poised to be a standout addition to Apple TV’s international content lineup. The series follows Franck and his friends during a weekend hunting trip that takes a perilous turn when they encounter another group of hunters who become their pursuers. The narrative promised a gripping exploration of survival and human dynamics under duress.
Allegations of Plagiarism
The controversy centers on claims that The Hunt closely mirrors the 1973 novel Shoot by Douglas Fairbairn, which was translated into French as La Traqué in 1974. The novel was also adapted into a 1976 film directed by Harvey Hart. Both the book and the film depict a group of friends on a hunting trip who become the targets of another group of hunters, leading to a tense and violent confrontation.
French media expert Clément Garin has reported that Cédric Anger, the director, creator, and screenwriter of The Hunt, is accused of adapting Fairbairn’s work without proper authorization or acknowledgment. The series reportedly follows the original novel’s structure and themes, raising significant concerns about intellectual property infringement.
Apple’s Response and Actions
Upon discovering the potential plagiarism, Apple, in collaboration with production company Gaumont, acted swiftly to mitigate legal risks. This included:
– Removal of Content: All references to The Hunt were expunged from the Apple TV app, press releases, and promotional materials. Trailers were also taken down from various platforms, including YouTube.
– Gag Order: Cast and crew members were reportedly instructed not to discuss the series publicly, further indicating the gravity of the situation.
– Legal Considerations: Apple and Gaumont are reportedly contemplating legal action against Anger for the alleged unauthorized adaptation. However, recouping the substantial production costs remains a complex challenge.
Implications for Apple TV and the Industry
This incident underscores the critical importance of rigorous content vetting processes, especially in the competitive streaming landscape where original content is paramount. For Apple TV, the situation is particularly sensitive, given its recent efforts to expand its international content offerings. The removal of The Hunt not only represents a financial setback but also poses reputational risks.
Moreover, this is not the first time Apple TV has faced plagiarism allegations. In 2020, filmmaker Francesca Gregorini filed a lawsuit against Apple and M. Night Shyamalan, claiming that the series Servant plagiarized her 2013 film The Truth About Emanuel. The case was initially dismissed but later reinstated, highlighting ongoing challenges in protecting intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry.
Potential Resolutions and Future Steps
While The Hunt is currently shelved, there remains a possibility for its release if Apple can secure rights from the Fairbairn estate and the original publishers. Such negotiations would involve additional costs but could provide a pathway to recoup some of the investments made in the series.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for content creators and distributors about the necessity of thorough due diligence in the development and acquisition of new content. Ensuring originality and proper licensing is not only a legal obligation but also essential for maintaining credibility and trust with audiences.
